Jonathan Taylor extension: two-year, $44M deal with Colts

Jonathan Taylor extension locks him in through 2028

RB Jonathan Taylor (Indianapolis Colts) is staying put. The Colts and Taylor agreed to a two-year, $44 million extension worth up to $47 million with incentives, including $39 million guaranteed, per Adam Schefter and Ian Rapoport. Taylor's agent Malki Kawa of First Round Management handled the deal.

At $22 million per year in average value, the contract is the largest third contract for a running back in NFL history and the third-largest running back contract overall. It trails only Bijan Robinson's recent deal ($22.25 million AAV) among all running backs.

What this means for Taylor's fantasy value

Taylor, 27, is coming off back-to-back 1,400-plus rushing yard seasons: 1,431 yards in 2024 and 1,585 yards in 2025. He led the NFL in carries (323) and rushing touchdowns (18) last season and earned his third Pro Bowl selection.

The extension removes every offseason concern that had hung over his fantasy outlook. No holdout risk, no trade speculation, no depth chart uncertainty. He is the bell cow in Indianapolis through his prime.

The one thing to watch is the QB room. Daniel Jones is returning from an Achilles injury with questions about his effectiveness, and a limited passing game could affect the Colts offense broadly. Taylor's volume and touchdown workload, though, are not dependent on a strong quarterback.

Colts backfield depth chart

Behind Taylor, the backfield includes DJ Giddens, Seth McGowan, Ulysses Bentley, Anderson Castle, and Roydell Williams. None of them carry meaningful fantasy value while Taylor is healthy and playing at this volume.

Colts still have Nelson and Buckner entering contract years

With Taylor's situation resolved, the Colts have two other players in the final year of their contracts: G Quenton Nelson and DT DeForest Buckner. Neither affects fantasy rosters directly, but the combined 2026 cap charge for all three players exceeded $66 million before the Taylor extension, so how GM Chris Ballard handles those situations could shape the team's roster and offensive line continuity.

For redraft and dynasty managers alike, Taylor is a locked-in top running back. Price him accordingly.